Our Opinion: New beginnings

Marching 100, Rattlers & Seminoles starting anew

At 11:45 a.m. today, just a few hours after this newspaper hits the driveways and retail outlets of the region, two of our community's most popular teams will take the field in Orlando: the Florida A&M University football team and the famed Marching 100.

Then tomorrow, at 8 p.m., the No. 11 ranked Florida State Seminoles take on Pittsburgh in the season and ACC openers for both teams.

Both games are televised nationally on ESPN. You'll find live coverage, updates, videos and blogs on Tallahassee.com as well.

That's because these games are a big deal to our region and both feature compelling storylines.

In Orlando, for example, a revamped coaching staff makes its debut under former NFL star Earl Holmes. His goal is to return the Rattlers to prominence and no doubt he will over time.

But all eyes will be on the Marching 100 in Orlando, whether fan of the Rattlers or some other team. Their story is perhaps the most compelling of all. Suspended for 21 months - no reason to rehash all that here - under new director Sylvester Young the most famous band in the land will march after just a few practices.

The hearts of all of Tallahassee will be with Mr. Young's charges, not only that they dazzle, but that this truly marks a new day and a new era in the lives of band members.

As for the Garnet & Gold of Coach Jimbo Fisher, much has been said about young Jameis Winston, a redshirt freshman, who won the starting job over sophomore Jacob Coker in a tough, close competition. Both are said to have NFL potential. Winston replaces E.J. Manuel, who is now with the NFL's Buffalo Bills.

But they are not the only young ones on this team: FSU will feature eight true freshmen and Mr. Fisher said all will have a chance to get playing time.

Many think that FSU might be underrated because they are so young and by the end of this season they will mature into a powerhouse.

This team, too, carries our hearts with them as they travel to Pittsburgh, and a few wins at the start of the season could give them the confidence to accomplish great things.

We wish all our local teams and their fans a great start to their new beginnings. Play hard. Play with pride. And win.

Go Rattlers!

Go Noles!

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Our Opinion: New beginnings

At 11:45 a.m. today, just a few hours after this newspaper hits the driveways and retail outlets of the region, two of our community's most popular teams will take the field in Orlando: the Florida